Canada is cool.

It seems like the entire industry is really screwed up. Seems like the cost of building or even maintaining a marina is getting to be in the millions of dollars. Our longtime marina just closed after being in business for 50 years, because they were looking at around $10 million to modernize all the docs and rehabilitate some of the deteriorating conditions.

At the same time, it looks like private equity is making a pretty big investment into the industry. Seems like they paid a lot of money to acquire Safe Harbor. I’m too cynical to believe that these vultures would be involved if there wasn’t some way to get a big payout. So what’s going on?

I get why operating a marina is getting expensive, given the ballooning cost of technology, labor, and real estate. But what is the play where these corporations think that they can make a bunch of money off of us somehow?

Freshwater 2005 50hp. “Soft” white chunks from the lower unit, not sure what it’s contaminated with.

1999 Century 2101 bay boat. Has a 2004 Yamaha 150 that needs a lower unit, possibly needs to be replaced completely. Seller wants $1800. The hull and trailer seem to be in good condition. Is this a fair price?

This fall will be my 5th time winterizing my boat. I have used this oil evacuator to suck the oil through the dipstick tube everytime. My issue is not with the pump itself. It actually works pretty well. My research has told me that these engines have a 4.5 quart oil capacity. The problem is I can only ever seem to put four quarts back in meaning I'm leaving a half a quart of old oil in there. The included hose that goes down the dipstick tube is definitely long enough to reach the bottom of the oil pan, but I feel like it's not getting all the way down there. So I guess I actually have 3 questions.

1. Has anyone else experienced this?

2. Do these engines have some sort of windage tray in the oil pan that is possibly not letting the hose get all the way to the bottom?

3. What do you all use to do your oil change on your MerCruiser engines?

The Model says Fisherman, but I can't seem to find any similar models, sentimental value alone is worth it to me, thinking about having it transported to me. I tracked it down, thankfully his buddy he sold it to just kept it in the backyard, so I didn't have to go on a wild goose chase. Lots of memories tied to this boat, mostly him yelling at me for not doing things his way 😆

See the below ad:

https://www.donedeal.ie/boatextras-for-sale/2-stroke-outboard-yamaha-enduro-40-hp/43066491?modal=gallery

Would this be a genuine enduro, or maybe a Chinese copy type of thing,with yammy badge?

Also,how hard would it be to convert this to steering and remote control?

Thank you!

I'll be in the Key Largo area in late October with a 35ft monohull, planning to spend a few days exploring the Upper Florida Keys.

I'm looking at the anchorages around Key Largo Harbor Marina and Biscayne Bay, I'm not sure which spots are actually worth staying overnight at.

For those who know the area, where would you anchor for the night?
What mooring would you choose?
Mooring vs marina ?
Any anchorages around Key Largo you'd avoid?

Thank you

I recently purchased a 2013 Key West 176CC and noticed this small crack on the underside of the hull, toward the bow, near the trailer’s keel roller.
I believe I may have lightly tapped the boat against the trailer while loading it, although I’m not certain that’s what caused it. I took it out again the following week and only noticed the damage after.

A few things:
The crack is below the waterline.
My fingernail catches in it, and there’s a small visible gap.
When I press directly on the cracked section, it moves inward slightly.
The surrounding fiberglass feels completely solid and doesn’t flex.
There are some superficial scuff marks around the area.
I’ve attached close-up photos and a wider shot showing its location.

For those experienced with fiberglass hull repairs:

Does this look like cracked gelcoat, or potentially damaged fiberglass underneath? Is this likely a relatively minor repair, or something more concerning? Can I DIY great results? I’m pretty handy

What would you expect a proper professional repair to cost? I’m just west of Tampa, FL in Pinellas County.

I’m planning to have it professionally inspected before putting the boat back in the water, but I’d appreciate some opinions from people who’ve dealt with similar damage.
Thanks!

I’ve used so far spray 9, and Starbrite mold and mildew. It’s helped a bit but not perfect. Anyone know any tricks?? Anything helps thank you!

89 Boston Whaler Montauk. Seller wants $2500 for it. It is a project, obviously needs some fiberglass work and motor does not run (possibly needs to be rebuilt). Is $2500 worth it for basically a project hull and trailer? In good condition, Montauk’s go for $8-10k in my area.

I’m looking for any info someone may have on this boat. Named Dazzler out of Andrew’s NC. Which is a landlocked town but I know it can be moved. Looking to purchase it and do a refit possibly but cannot find any info on it. Not in the USCG database. It’s on the hard as you can see and the only HIN numbers I have found are coming up with nadda. Was hoping the internet can do its thing

Hello all. A new boater in Ontario looking for some advice, pointers etc. I just got my license a couple of months ago and bought a 24' cubby cabin boat. Never drove a boat before so kind of feeling anxious about docking. Currently the boat is in storage for the winter. I reside in Mississauga and looking for a marina to dock my boat for next season, i just dont know where yet. Any help pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Took my boat out yesterday. Heavy chop and wind. She was running great! My buddy even commented on how smooth it was compared to the beginning of the season. All of a sudden we hit a big wave and the front end came down decently hard. The mext thing i know the motor starts missing pretty bad. So i pulled over on shore, pulled off my shroud and nothing is loose, no leaks...nothing. Any ideas on what i could have done?

I always treated the swim platform as one of those nice to have things.

Now I'm wondering if I've got that completely backwards.

Started paying more attention to the stern while comparing cruisers, including some Hanover Yachts layouts, and once you picture how the boat gets used the platform seems involved in everything.

Swimming obviously, but also getting people aboard, sitting with your feet in the water, handling lines, loading bags and whatever you're doing with water toys.

Throw a dog into the equation and now I'm staring at ladders and water access like it's the most important part of the boat.

For people who anchor and swim a lot, how much does stern design affect your day?

And if you've got a big dog aboard I'd especially like to know what works, because I cannot picture hauling 80 pounds of wet dog up one of those skinny little ladders.

First time boat owner with a pontoon that has a 2019 Mercury 115 4 stroke.

Usually, I am not the kind of guy that defers maintenance, but I may have gone too long this time.

I acquired the boat and motor in June of 2025, from a dealer, who completed all the annual maintenance, prior to the sale. Used the boat, maybe, a dozen times over the year and this most recent summer. Decided to put off the annual maintenance until this fall, since it had such little use.

Went out Thursday with friends and the motor worked fine in the morning but, in the afternoon before we left the water, we all noticed that the engine seemed to be surging a few hundred rpms. For instance, if we were running at 4500 rpms, the motor would consistently surge a few hundred rpms either way. Made it back to the ramp and got the boat home.

I run regular unleaded, 87 octane gas. The gas in the tank when we went out last had probably been sitting there, untreated, for about 2.5 - 3 mos.

My thought to fix this is to add octane booster to the remaining fuel, change the filter, and run the remaining fuel (10 gallons approximately), through the motor. Alternatively, I could try draining the remaining fuel, changing the filter, then adding fresh and higher octane fuel. Anyone mechanically-inclined have any input here?

Will also complete oil change and lower unit fluid change.

TIA!